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The Great Brave Women Association, a subsidiary of Nigeria Women In Agriculture (NWIA), has begun sales of farm produce at cheaper prices across local government areas in Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hundreds of residents in Agbado-Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) benefitted from the sales on Sunday.
Mr David Famuyiwa, Executive Chairman of the LCDA, in his remarks at the council secretariat, venue of the sales, said the initiative would usher in relief for residents considering the present economic challenges.
According to the chairman, the LCDA findings and market surveys carried out on various food items, show that prices of foodstuffs at the venue are cheaper than prices at general markets in Lagos state.
“That’s why we are encouraging them and urging residents to come out to buy so as to benefit from the cheaper prices.
“This is a laudable initiative, and majority of the residents have been buying and placing their orders here since morning.
“Very soon, we are looking for ways to collaborate with the group to ensure it benefits more people in the communities.”
Mrs Yetunde Olaniyan, the Secretary, Women in Agriculture, Lagos State, in her remarks, thanked the council chairman for the leverage given to the group to showcase their products to residents.
“We are all female farmers with different products for sales, Agbado-Oke-Odo LCDA will be our first council to showcase our products and the prices are cheaper.
“This project is to bring relief to the communities and bridge the gaps between producers and consumers to erase the third parties and intermediaries.
“By so doing, if the consumers have direct access to the producers, prices of goods will definitely be low, we are not doing it because of profit but for relief to residents.
“We came together to ensure the prices of the farm products are lower than what they can get in the markets, and at the same time, we are not running at a loss.
“We are acting as a channel for farmers to have their products delivered to the consumers directly, and at the same time , make consumers have fresh contacts to get farm produce at reasonable prices,” she said.
Olaniyan said the exercise is the pilot project that will ensure success of the initiative.
Mr Olabowale Kasunmu, Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman ,Agbado-Oke-Odo LCDA, in his remarks, said it was a laudable initiative.
He said the development would help residents to meet up their needs.
Kasunmu said there were more ongoing sensitisations to enlighten residents about the development, hence ensuring that more people enjoy the gesture.
“The reason behind this initiative is to bring succour to residents and also, necessary food items.
“We assure that the exercise will go a long way to helping people in the community, especially as the council chairman is planning to give 25 per cent discount on the produce for residents.”
Mrs Biola Raji, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the women farmers for giving them the opportunity to have direct purchase of the farm produce at low prices.
Raji also thanked the council chairman for the opportunity given the group at the secretariat to showcase and sell their products to the community.
NAN reports that various food items like garri, yam flour, vegetable oil, palm oil, locally produced beverages, rice, beans, catfish and goat meat among other household items were sold to residents.
